BY SAUNDRA AMRHEIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
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Dorothy LaSalle of Payne Chapel in Hamilton
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HAMILTON -- The city got more than a Taste of Gospel Music this weekend. It received a mouthful, as more than 50 area choirs and church groups gathered to fill the autumn air with praise.
The sixth annual A Taste of Gospel Music festival ended Sunday after two days in Hamilton and two days the weekend before in Middletown. A variety of Christian denominations took the stage, including choirs or soloists from Baptist, Pentecostal and United Methodist churches.
"This helps to encourage other groups to take part, and for the young and old to enjoy religious music and make it a stronger part of worship," said Stewart Jones, co-chairman of the festival committee.
Spectators trickled into Courthouse Square to sit on bleachers or in the grass to listen as each group took the stage on Second Street. The types of music played ranged from traditional hymns to Southern Gospel to rock-and-roll rhythms.
The Payne Chapel youth group from Hamilton stormed the stage, calling out to the crowd and hand clapping.
Following them was a trio called One Accord, from Twinbrook Hills Baptist Church, Hamilton. The group's music was Southern Gospel.
Eric Rothweiler, 31, said he joined about 20 other members of the youth group from Sunlight Fellowship in Colerain Township to hear new music. "You can hear some new artists you never heard before," he said.
Chante Hart, 15, said the festival also helps draw younger people into church. Chante, of Price Hill, also belongs to the youth group. "It relates to kids because they like rock-and-roll music and not that older music."
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